Killer Kowalski, one of Canada's most revered and feared professional wrestlers, died Saturday of complications from a heart attack.
He was 81.
Between 1947-77, the Windsor native, born Walter Spulnik, fought in a number of wrestling associations, including the National Wrestling Association and culminating in the World Wrestling Federation, where he won the tag-team championship.
Upon retiring from the ring in 1977, Kowalski opened an influential training school in Malden, Mass.
Among his students were World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars Triple H, Chyna, and Perry Saturn.
Kowalski's in-ring persona was typically that of a heel, or a villain, but when not sparring, the six-foot, seven-inch wrestler was known for his affable nature and being a vegetarian.
Longtime WWE ringside announcer Jim Ross praised Kowalski for lifetime of dedication to the sport.
"Walter was a staunch disciplinarian when he was actively teaching his students but had a heart of gold and a unique sense of humor," Ross wrote. "(He) was always considered too nice a guy by many promoters to be a wrestling "bad guy."
The lifelong bachelor married for the first time in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa.
He was 81.
Between 1947-77, the Windsor native, born Walter Spulnik, fought in a number of wrestling associations, including the National Wrestling Association and culminating in the World Wrestling Federation, where he won the tag-team championship.
Upon retiring from the ring in 1977, Kowalski opened an influential training school in Malden, Mass.
Among his students were World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars Triple H, Chyna, and Perry Saturn.
Kowalski's in-ring persona was typically that of a heel, or a villain, but when not sparring, the six-foot, seven-inch wrestler was known for his affable nature and being a vegetarian.
Longtime WWE ringside announcer Jim Ross praised Kowalski for lifetime of dedication to the sport.
"Walter was a staunch disciplinarian when he was actively teaching his students but had a heart of gold and a unique sense of humor," Ross wrote. "(He) was always considered too nice a guy by many promoters to be a wrestling "bad guy."
The lifelong bachelor married for the first time in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa.
